Brushing Teeth

Brushing your teeth is an important part of your oral hygiene routine. For a healthy mouth and smile the ADA recommends you:

Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth allowing you to reach all areas easily.

Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth.

Make sure to use an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.

The proper brushing technique is to:

Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.

Move the brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes.

Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.

To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.

Of course, brushing your teeth is only a part of a complete oral care routine. You should also make sure to:

Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner. Tooth decay-causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. This helps remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.

Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.

Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.

Talk to your dentist about what types of oral care products will be most effective for you. The ADA Seal lets you know the product has met ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness. Look for the ADA Seal on fluoride toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, interdental cleaners, oral irrigators, mouth rinses and other oral hygiene products.